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Director of School's Newsletter

Posted Date: 09/11/25 (05:00 PM)
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Director of Schools Newsletter

Monthly news and updates

September 11, 2025

Hello WP families,

A year ago I recalled some personal experiences and direct connections with the family of John Ogonowski, a pilot on one of the two planes that left Boston International Airport that were, a short time after takeoff, used as weapons of mass destruction as they were flown by terrorists into the Twin Towers in New York City. Those recollections I shared flood back every year on this day and help me to pause and realize how grateful I am for every day.

Today I share with you a post shared last evening by the Walpole Police Department - Walpole is about 20 minutes south of Boston and like many other law enforcement agencies became quite active in the support and investigation of the tragedies of 09/11/2001.

“...On this night 24 years ago, 246 people went to sleep in preparation for their morning flights. 2,606 people went to sleep in preparation for work in the morning. 343 firefighters went to sleep in preparation for their morning shift. 60 police officers went to sleep in preparation for morning patrol. 8 paramedics went to sleep in preparation for the morning shift of saving lives. None of them saw past 10:00am September 11, 2001.

In one single moment life may never be the same. As you live and enjoy the breaths you take today and tonight - before you go to sleep in preparation for your life tomorrow - kiss the ones you love, snuggle a little bit tighter, and never take one second of your life for granted…”

I hope you’re able to take a moment today to reflect on, not only the tragedy of 09/11/2001, but the many recent and past tragedies that have made violence and terror all too commonplace in our society.

Your partner in never forgetting and committing to be part of the solution,

Ron Cote
Director of Schools, White Pine Charter Schools 

Safety at White Pine:
Safety at White Pine is a top priority and although all of the details to our Emergency Management/Safety Plan cannot be disclosed here are some of the things here at White Pine that are part of our safety measures:
  1. Recently added safety/privacy film on all of the windows
  2. Video surveillance covering much of the buildings and campus
  3. Newly upgraded service window in the vestibule designed with safety glass and protective film to greatly reduce penetrability
  4. Processes and procedures to limit access to uninvited guests
  5. Grounds are walked every morning to ensure all exterior doors are closed and locked as well as checking playground gates to make sure they are closed and locked
  6. Conversations are had with staff and drills are exercised to ensure familiarity with emergency actions/responses for various purposes
  7. Staff and students understand a culture of safety and reporting that allows for open and safe conversations about matters that are counter to safety at White Pine
  8. Daily operational procedures that not only help all things run smoothly but also enhance the safety measures of the school - thank you for abiding by our stated processes and procedures!
  9. Dedicated response teams for the various possibilities of urgent, emergency, or crisis matters
  10. Redundancy in schoolwide communications systems
  11. A strong relationship with Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office who visits with our staff annually for guidance on safety, emergency, and crisis response

ParentSquare:
Another reason to download ParentSquare - notifications about school closures during inclement weather as well as other important, urgent, or emergency messages that need to be distributed quickly.

To get the most out of ParentSquare, download the free mobile app available for iOS and Android. You can also access ParentSquare from your web browser at: www.parentsquare.com.

Informational Videos:
Be sure to catch our brief but informative videos, new this year and found on ParentSquare!

Parent early dismissal/pickup from school:
Students being dismissed early and picked up by parents will only be accommodated until 2:45 pm. Students will not be dismissed/picked up between 2:46 pm and 3:20 pm (adjusted to 12:46 pm and 1:20 pm on Wednesdays) as the school day ends.

Please refrain from driving, dropping off or picking up in the front lot during the posted off-limits times - 7:45 am to 8:45 am and 2:45 pm to 3:45 pm (adjusted for Wednesdays to 12:45 pm to 1:45 pm).

Appointments with faculty and staff are the best way to meet. Please be sure to set an appointment to meet with WP faculty or staff.